Is it time to say goodbye?

[SmallStep]

This girl started having issues with enlarged crop the last week in September. I withheld food for 24 hours serving only water. I vomited her successfully a few times. By the weekend of Oct. 3rd and 4th she seemed to be ok. I left my chickens in care of a neighbor while on vacation for 6 days. When I got back the issue had returned. (See Photos)

Based in advice on these forums, I started her in a 7-day course of Miconazole. She’s had five doses and I’m at the beginning of day 3. Yesterday, I took her out of isolation and let her be with her flock mates and eat what she wanted. However, I removed the feed about 5:30 pm. I noticed there was some vomit on the ground and I feel sure it was from her.

When I went out this morning, even though she hadn’t eaten except what’s on the ground, her crop was huge. I removed her back to isolation and gave her a 6th dose of Miconazole. When I checked on her, she hadn’t eaten much of the crumble. She just seems gorged.

She does not have an impacted crop. Is soft and squishy. I’m beginning to think she doesn’t have sour crop either. Maybe it’s genetics or an underdeveloped crop muscle due to poor nutrition critical early weeks.

My set up is not going to allow for a crop bra. I know that no one but me can make this decision, but do you think it’s time to euthanize her? She is still alert and seems hydrated.

 

[Battles house]

I'm no help just wanted to say sorry you are having to even have these thoughts. Hard but life is that.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is there a specific reason you cannot do a crop bra?

I had to do one for a brahma. It was not difficult and she stayed with the flock.

 

[SmallStep]

My free range area is big and diverse. I don’t think it would stay on. I’m integrating these pullets with my 4.5-year olds. It’s a stressful time under the best of circumstances. And maybe this sounds cold, but I just don’t think I want to manage that along with all the other things going on.

 

[21hens-incharge]

My free range area is big and diverse. I don’t think it would stay on. I’m integrating these pullets with my 4.5-year olds. It’s a stressful time under the best of circumstances. And maybe this sounds cold, but I just don’t think I want to manage that along with all the other things going on.

I see.

It is up to you. If it is more than you can or want to deal with then perhaps putting an add for free to good home ad on craigslist with full disclosure of her needs may be an option.

 

[coach723]

I understand time constraints while managing life, and all that it brings, sincerely.
I just wanted to say that a crop bra, if it is effective, is not that bad once it's fitted and adjusted correctly, which may take several days. I had a hen that lived in one for over 18 months, and other than checking on her to make sure all was well, I really didn't have to do much else once it was fitted and adjusted correctly. It did take several days for that and it needed to be adjusted while her crop was reducing to a normal size. It has to be a bit looser at the beginning to allow the crop to empty (if it will) slowly and not so tight that it makes the bird vomit. As the crop goes down, you have to adjust the bra so it properly supports it. I just kept her crated until that was accomplished, and she lived the rest of her life loose with the flock.
It's always a personal decision on how much time to spend on any particular bird.

 

[SmallStep]

I made one just a while ago and will see if it helps. I’m going out to put it on shortly. This is so agonizing.

 

[coach723]

I sympathize completely. Crop issues are my least favorite thing to deal with, and are often frustrating.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I'm very sorry about your poor girl. Wishing you and her the best of luck!

 

[SmallStep]

I put it in her and the lower strap wouldn’t stay closed so I had to safety pen it. She hasn’t figured it out and her crop is so huge it may be more uncomfortable for her. Going back out to check on her now.